4 Things We Learned at DHI 2017

Traditional Wired Glass is Still Being Used in Hazardous Locations

The 2012 International Building Code bans the use of unsafe non-filmed wired glass from “hazardous” locations where human impact may occur. For more information on this topic, SaftiFirst has a good, detailed webpage. All of the glazing except lead-lined on our web pages meets the current code for Category II impact-resistance.

Door Hardware Specifiers Rely on Specification Software Programs

We partner with Comsense and Avaware Architectural Door Specification Hardware Software Providers, so you have the most up-to-date information when creating door schedules. We also work with TOAD (Total Openings Application Developers) who provide catalogs and pricing for several other software programs.

The Importance of Attracting Younger People to Our Industry – and How to Keep Them

At the Forum for the Future this year a panel of industry leaders moderated by speaker Tom Morrison held a discussion about attracting and engaging Gen X and Millennial age people into our industry.

Their motivations are different than the Baby Boomer generation and we need to be more intentional about marketing ourselves to them. They are skilled in digital and mobile communications, are looking for a voice in the process, wanting to know what they do, matters. They prefer to work on a project-based, not hourly basis and expect a better work/life balance than the older generations. If we are to keep our industry healthy and attract younger workers to our trade associations, we need to be flexible and maybe even change!

Fewer Interior Doors Require Fire-Ratings

The Life Safety Code requires many occupancies – especially new construction to be sprinklered, in many cases reducing the number of fire-rated walls and doors. Most buildings will still require a “means of egress” requiring a 1 hour fire resistance-rated corridor, but you should always consult your AHJ for local codes that apply to your project. Fire Safe North America is a broad-based coalition of experts, companies and association members who advocate for resilient buildings Their goal is to understand how active and passive fire protection features interdepend on one another in providing the level of safety the public and the fire service have come to expect. Select the link above for more information about that organization.